Rosanna Arquette Criticizes Quentin Tarantino's Use of N-Word

The Pulp Fiction actress says the filmmaker's repeated use of the racial slur is "racist and creepy".

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Actress Rosanna Arquette, who starred in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film Pulp Fiction, has criticized the director's repeated use of the N-word both on screen and in real life. In a new interview, Arquette said Tarantino's use of the racial slur is "racist and creepy" and that he has been "given a hall pass" despite backlash from critics and Hollywood talent.

Why it matters

Tarantino's use of the N-word in his films and public comments has been a point of controversy for years, with many arguing that as a white filmmaker, he should not feel entitled to use such a racially charged term. Arquette's comments add to the ongoing debate around the appropriate use of the N-word in media and entertainment.

The details

In the interview, Arquette acknowledged Pulp Fiction as an "iconic" and "great film," but said she is "over the use of the N-word" in Tarantino's work. She also claimed she was the only person involved with Pulp Fiction who did not receive a share of the film's $214 million box office, blaming producer Harvey Weinstein. Tarantino has previously defended his use of the N-word, arguing that he has a right to include it in his character dialogue.

  • In 2013, Tarantino used the N-word backstage at the Golden Globes while discussing his film Django Unchained.
  • In 2022, Tarantino responded to critics of his N-word use and onscreen violence, telling them "If you have a problem with my movies, there's other movies to go see."
  • Also in 2022, director Lee Daniels dismissed Tarantino's defense, saying "n**** is our word. That's my word. And you have no right to say that, and you have no right to feel that way."

The players

Rosanna Arquette

An American actress who starred in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film Pulp Fiction.

Quentin Tarantino

An American filmmaker known for his use of the N-word in his films and public comments, despite facing criticism from actors and directors.

Harvey Weinstein

An American film producer who Arquette claims tried to make sexual advances toward her and did not give her a share of Pulp Fiction's box office earnings.

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What they’re saying

“Personally I am over the use of the N-word — I hate it. I cannot stand that he [Tarantino] has been given a hall pass. It's not art, it's just racist and creepy.”

— Rosanna Arquette, Actress (The Times)

“What they're actually saying is I should soften it, they're saying I should lie, they're saying I should whitewash, they're saying I should massage. And I never do that when it comes to my characters.”

— Quentin Tarantino (Golden Globes press room)

“Quentin, that's not the right answer. Ten years ago, or 15 years ago, I would have checked it off as artistic, but n**** is our word. That's my word. And you have no right to say that, and you have no right to feel that way. Sorry, bro. Next.”

— Lee Daniels, Director (CNN)

The takeaway

Tarantino's repeated use of the N-word, both in his films and in real-life comments, continues to be a source of controversy, with many arguing that as a white filmmaker, he should not feel entitled to use such a racially charged term. Arquette's criticism adds to the ongoing debate around the appropriate use of the N-word in media and entertainment.